57 restoration

[Adam H.]

Hello!

I have been a member for a long time, but I am now choosing to become active, mostly because I just purchased a basket case 57.

The car is mostly complete, but it does not have an engine. I was wondering how to go about finding a correct engine. Everyone wants a fuelie, and I wouldn't mind my self, but it does not have to be. I am more concerned with a date-correct engine. There is a date under the right hinge of the deck lid of MAR 26 1957. I don't know if this is the original deck lid, but the vin is E57S103193. This would make sense to me since Corvette black book says 4 speeds came out around april 4th at about 103500. Any help in the right direction would be appriciated.

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 restoration

Frances, sorry didn't see your post before. Welcome to the 56-7 NCRS group. Lots of good info available here. The trunk lid date is good. Your VIN's too early for a 4 speed. If the throttle rod's flat it was a carb'd car and if it's round on both engine and interior side it was a FI car. Blocks are available - check the Driveline. Driveline is now available on-line and searchable - click on the Driveline Online on the top blue menu bar. Post your questions and photos of your restoration as your progress. Gary....

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 restoration

Hi Frances! Welcome! Along with the Driveliine, which is the first place I look, you may also try Hemmings, www.hemmings.com if you don't have the hard copy, paragon, etc. FI's and 2X4's are getting expensive as are 997's.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Adam H.]

Re: 57 restoration

Gary Chesnut,

I don't know if I even have the throttle rod. I'll look through the boxes (several) over the weekend and let you know. I have the gas pedal, but I can't tell you beyond that without looking.

I attached a couple pictures. It's not pretty, but so beautiful at the same time. I left the images large for detail, so you'll have to click on them to see them.

[Rod K.]

Re: 57 restoration

Frances,

Get the NCRS Corvette Specifications Guide, a pocket size wealth of info on casting numbers, etc., most everything you'll need to know when trying to put together an engine and more. I shopped generic swap meets for a lot of the stuff I needed to accomplish the same thing you're doing, plus checking the Hemmings ads, etc, as previously suggested. Unfortuneately, teh well is running dry for the older stuff, so it may take some serious commitment.

One source for engine parts might be Randy Chapin at Engines Limited, (920) 685-0288, info@engineslimited.com. I've never used him but have seen his ads for years and finally met and spoke with him at Kissimme last weekend. Very nice guy and highly recommended by one of the car owners there who had dealt with him for some time.

Good luc on your project.

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 restoration

Frances, looks beautiful to me and about the norm that most of us have or had started with. Thank you for posting the photos. Great '57 team on the TDB. Post your questions and you'll get some great help from some very knowledge Members on the TDB. Good luck, Gary....

[Joseph T.]

Re: 57 restoration

Hello!

I have been a member for a long time, but I am now choosing to become active, mostly because I just purchased a basket case 57.

The car is mostly complete, but it does not have an engine. I was wondering how to go about finding a correct engine. Everyone wants a fuelie, and I wouldn't mind my self, but it does not have to be. I am more concerned with a date-correct engine. There is a date under the right hinge of the deck lid of MAR 26 1957. I don't know if this is the original deck lid, but the vin is E57S103193. This would make sense to me since Corvette black book says 4 speeds came out around april 4th at about 103500. Any help in the right direction would be appriciated.

Frances

Did you get a 4-spd with the car?

Joe

[Joseph T.]

Re: 57 restoration

Frances, sorry didn't see your post before. Welcome to the 56-7 NCRS group. Lots of good info available here. The trunk lid date is good. Your VIN's too early for a 4 speed. If the throttle rod's flat it was a carb'd car and if it's round on both engine and interior side it was a FI car. Blocks are available - check the Driveline. Driveline is now available on-line and searchable - click on the Driveline Online on the top blue menu bar. Post your questions and photos of your restoration as your progress. Gary....

Theo says..." Yep...prototype round throttle rod "

[Roy B.]

Re: 57 restoration

Theo says..." Yep...prototype round throttle rod "

No he's trying to catch all those mouse's falling out of the FI unit.

[Adam H.]

Re: 57 restoration

No, the car is too early for a 4 speed from what I've read and heard. It has a 3 speed.

[Adam H.]

Re: 57 restoration

I searched all my boxes and I have nothing that resembles a throttle rod, the closest I have is the gas pedal. Does anybody have an idea of what kind of investement I would have with any of the choises. I would be looking for rebuildable condition, I do not need anything restored. Part of the fun with projects like this is getting to know about the car. I'm very seriously considering FI, but I don't know how large of an investment to expect when compared to a 2x4 or the base.

[Ed M.]

Re: 57 restoration

I am deeply into my fourth year of resto with my '57.... be very patient. Most of the resto is straight forward... then you begin to look for specific parts... some interchangeable with other GM models some not... some of the stuff you can make if have access to a good shop/machinist...some you will pay outrageous prices for. Hang in there.....spend lots of time on the fiberglass as it is paramount to a good restoration. PM me if you have specific questions...GOOD LUCK

[Patrick T.]

Re: 57 restoration

In 1989 I bought a '57 basket case for $7,000, no engine, transmission or interior. I knew back then there was no way I could afford to put the original drivetrain back in, and couldn't afford it now.

I spent 5 years, $28K and 2500 hours fixing up this sorry looking car but in the end it was a knockout. I put a 350/345 Chevy crate engine in it along with an M-22 rockcrusher and 4:11 gears and new Al Knoch interior. Sorry I ever sold it. It would cost an arm and leg to do what you are asking. PT